§ 6. Mr. Brooksasked the President of the Board of Trade which British civil airports are intended to handle jumbo jets during the next decade; and what facilities will be provided at each of those airports to facilitate the movement of their passengers.
§ Mr. William RodgersOperators of these aircraft are unlikely to use airports other than Heathrow, Prestwick and probably Manchester for some time to come. In consultation with the airlines concerned, the authorities owning these aerodromes are making the necessary consequent arrangements.
§ Mr. BrooksWhat work is being done in Britain comparable to that which was recently disclosed by Air France? Will my hon. Friend consider the possibility of using Liverpool as well as Manchester for this purpose and perhaps permitting some of the Customs formalities to be carried out on the fast train services to London?
§ Mr. RodgersThere are two factors governing whether jumbo jets operate from one airport rather than from another. The first is the question of passenger handling, whether the terminal facilities are adequate. Second, there is the question of length of runway and whether it 464 is suited to take the weight of aircraft involved. Many discussions have taken place about these matters. The B.A.A., in particular, and also, I think, Manchester Airport have put in a good deal of investment to deal with the arrival of jumbo jets.
§ Mr. Robert HowarthIf it is possible that Manchester will eventually be used for the handling of these giant aircraft, will my hon. Friend have consultations with the Manchester airport authorities on the question of the deplorable access roads to that airport? It is a most difficult airport even to find.
§ Mr. RodgersWe cannot usurp the proper authority of municipal airports. A decision has been made that they should be able to assume responsibility. This is very much a matter for them, but I am sure they will note what my hon. Friend has said.